Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2013, High School Technology/Engineering

Question 23: Open-Response

Reporting Category: Fluid and Thermal SystemsStandard: 2.3 - Explain Bernoulli's principle and its effect on structures such as buildings and bridges.
Standard: 4.3 - Explain how environmental conditions such as wind, solar angle, and temperature influence the design of buildings.

The illustration below shows the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Research Station.

The research station is located in an area where more than eight inches of snow accumulates each year without ever melting. Architects utilized Bernoulli’s principle when designing the exterior of the building. The station has an adjustable elevation and is built facing the prevailing wind direction. The front of the building slopes downward and inward.

Explain why the research station has an adjustable elevation.

Describe in detail, using Bernoulli’s principle, how the inwardly sloping design of the building has an impact on snow management.

Describe one other possible design feature that would make a building suitable for this environment. Explain your answer.

Scoring Guide and Sample Student WorkSelect a score point in the table below to view the sample student response.

The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of how environmental conditions influence the design of buildings. The response clearly explains why the research station has an adjustable elevation and describes how the inwardly sloping design impacts snow management. The response also clearly describes and explains one other design feature for this environment.